by Rocco MottoWorking In the Heat
Extreme heat means air conditioning, ice cream, water parks, and . . . an increase in work injuries. According to The New York Times, the data suggest that heat increases workplace injuries by making it harder to concentrate, leading to injuries from falling, being struck by vehicles or mishandling machinery.
The data suggests that when the temperature was between 85 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, researchers found that the risk of workplace injuries was 5 to 7 percent higher than days where the temperature was in the 60s. Even more alarming, when the temperature exceeds 100 degrees, the overall risk of injuries was 10 to 15 percent greater.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concludes that workers become overheated from two primary sources: (1) the environmental conditions in which the employees work and (2) the internal heat generated by physical labor. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is not able to lose enough heat to balance the heat generated by physical work and external heat sources.
OSHA provides the following protective measures:
- Drink water often (about 4 cups/hour).
- Take frequent breaks in a cool, shaded area.
- Limit physical exertion.
- Adjust work activities.
- Watch/communicate with workers at all times.
Arising Out of and In the Course of Employment
Workers who suffer heat related injuries and illnesses may be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits, an employee does not need to show that the employer is at fault. Rather, the person filing the claim needs to have been an employee at the time of the injury, and the injury needs to have arisen out of and in the course of employment.
Call Capron Avgerinos & Heinlen
Call Capron Avgerinos & Heinlen now at (855) 208-3904 if you need help with a workers’ compensation case in Illinois or Iowa. As your Illinois and Iowa Injury Network, we are ready to assist you over the phone or in person. We perform our cases on a contingent fee basis, which means we are not paid unless you recover compensation for your clam. Call Capron Avgerinos & Heinlen and let us show how we can deliver results for you.
by Capron Avgerinos & HeinlenCapron Avgerinos & Heinlen Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit on Behalf of Two Clinton, Iowa, Clients
The suit involves an explosion that occurred at a grain silo at the ADM facility in Clinton, Iowa, on January 5, 2019.
by Rocco MottoWhy COVID-19 Could Cause a Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Illinois
Here’s why things could get worse: the closure of businesses during the pandemic has idled buildings everywhere, causing water to stagnate in pipes and other parts of a structure’s water systems. The stagnant water is a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria, which can increase the risk for Legionnaires’ disease to break out in any enclosed space such as an office building or hotel.
by Capron Avgerinos & HeinlenOur Firm’s Response to COVID-19
Clients and friends, Capron Avgerinos & Heinlen is determined to do our part to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) while ensuring that all of your legal needs continue to be met.
Due to the unprecedented situation the community now faces, and in accordance with the guidelines set by the CDC and state, we have temporarily changed the way we do business in an effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We believe these steps are in the best interest of our valued clients, employees, and our community.
At this time, Capron Avgerinos & Heinlen has transitioned to a remote work environment for our Chicago office. We are confident that our clients will not see any disruption to the legal services we provide. Our office has the technology in place to continue work at a normal pace and volume even though circumstances prevent us from working together onsite. We are hopeful that the virus is contained quickly and that we will resume normal business operations. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns regarding matters related to your current case; or if you have questions regarding a new potential case. We will respond.
As we work together to efficiently navigate this ever-evolving situation, we want to keep everyone updated with the current court operations. The Federal Court, the Circuit Court of Cook County and the surrounding counties as well as the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission have all announced shutdowns until at least the end of March. Until normal operations resume, the only matters that will be heard will be emergency motions and rare, remote hearings. All other status dates, hearings, and trials are being continued. The Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commission remains open. However, until at least June, all hearings will be conducted by video conference remotely.
Rest assured that our lawyers and staff members will respond to voicemails and emails, answering your questions and addressing your needs to make certain your legal matters continue to be aggressively pursued. We will continue to do everything in our power to advance your interests. The work does not stop.
We have faced difficult circumstances in the past, and we have always come through with a combination of teamwork, compassion, and perseverance. We have no doubt that we will overcome this challenge as well.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Very truly yours,
CAPRON AVGERINOS & HEINLEN , P.C.
by Capron Avgerinos & HeinlenDan Capron Scores a Touchdown in the Chicago Tribune
Dan tells a powerful story about what it means to stand up for what is right.